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United States Ruston Kelly is an American singer-songwriter recognized for his honest lyricism and blend of country, alternative country, and Americana music.
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Request A ShowRuston Kelly signed a publishing deal with BMG Nashville in 2013, which led to his song 'Nashville Without You' being placed on Tim McGraw's album.
Ruston Kelly's song "Nashville Without You" was featured on Tim McGraw's album "Two Lanes of Freedom" in 2013.
Ruston Kelly signed a record deal with Razor & Tie's Washington Square imprint.
Ruston Kelly signed with Rounder Records in 2018 and subsequently released his debut studio album, "Dying Star".
Ruston Kelly has his music available on Spotify, where he has impressive stream numbers and is featured in artist playlists.
Nate Mercereau produced Ruston Kelly's album "The Weakness" and collaborated with him at Studio Tujunga.
Ruston Kelly co-wrote the song "Tuesday Night" for the Josh Abbott Band's "Tuesday Night EP" in 2014.
Ruston Kelly co-wrote "Run of Good Luck" for Rob Baird's album "Wrong Side of the River" in 2016.
Ruston Kelly co-wrote the song "Love Is So Easy" for Hayes Carll's album "Lovers and Leavers" in 2016.
Ruston Kelly co-wrote "Just for the Record" for Lucie Silvas's album "E.G.O." in 2018.
Ruston Kelly served as an opening act for Brothers Osborne's "Port Saint Joe Tour" in 2019.
Ruston Kelly toured as an opening act for Noah Kahan on "The Stick Season Tour" in 2023.
Ruston Kelly performed for WMOT Roots Radio in August 2025 and participated in their 'Wired In Sessions'.
Ruston Kelly performed on the AmericanaFest Day Stage presented by WMOT, World Cafe, and NPR Music in September 2018.
Ruston Kelly performed live in studio at Lightning 100 in front of a live audience in ONErpm's studio.
Ruston Kelly's music is promoted on Apple Music Country, with calls to listen live to new albums.
Ruston Samuel Kelly was born on July 31, 1988, in Georgetown, South Carolina. He grew up in a musical family, and due to his father’s occupation, the family frequently relocated, including spending eight years in Wyoming, Ohio. Kelly developed an interest in music and began writing songs during his teenage years. He later attended Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, further pursuing his musical aspirations.
His career began to take shape in 2013 when he signed a publishing deal with BMG Nashville. In the same year, one of his compositions, “Nashville Without You,” was featured on Tim McGraw’s album, “Two Lanes of Freedom.” This early milestone marked his entry into the professional music scene as a songwriter. Kelly then signed a record deal with Razor & Tie’s Washington Square, leading to the release of his debut EP, “Halloween,” in 2017, which was produced by Mike Mogis. The following year, in 2018, he joined Rounder Records and released his debut studio album, “Dying Star,” which received critical acclaim.
Kelly continued to release new music, including the albums “Shape & Destroy” in 2020, “The Weakness” in 2023, and “Pale, Through the Window” in 2025. He has toured extensively, headlining tours such as the “Dying Star Fall Tour” (2018–2019), “Shape and Destroy Fall Tour” (2021), “The Weakness Tour” (2023), and “Too Chill to Kill Tour” (2024). He also served as an opening act for artists like Brothers Osborne on their “Port Saint Joe Tour” (2019) and Noah Kahan on “The Stick Season Tour” (2023). Beyond his own releases, Kelly has contributed as a songwriter for artists including Josh Abbott Band, Rob Baird, and Hayes Carll, demonstrating his versatility and impact within the country and Americana genres.
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